Are Muscle Relaxers Addictive? Understanding the Risks and When to Seek Help
Muscle relaxers are commonly prescribed medications for people experiencing pain, muscle spasms, or injuries—but they aren’t without risks. If you or a loved one has been prescribed muscle relaxers, you might be wondering: Can these medications become addictive? The short answer is yes, especially with long-term use or when taken in combination with other substances like alcohol.
At Endless Mountain Behavioral Health Center, we believe that education is the first step toward making safe, informed choices about medications and your health.
Why Are Muscle Relaxers Prescribed?
Muscle relaxers (also called muscle relaxants) are typically prescribed for:
- Acute injuries such as sprains, strains, or whiplash
- Chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis (MS), or spinal cord injuries
- Post-surgical recovery to reduce pain and stiffness
- Severe muscle spasms caused by nerve or musculoskeletal issues
These medications work by depressing the central nervous system or directly targeting skeletal muscle tissue to reduce tension, spasms, and pain. They’re often used short-term, but some individuals are prescribed them longer depending on the severity of their symptoms.
Types of Prescription Muscle Relaxers
There are two main types of muscle relaxers: centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs) and direct-acting muscle relaxants.
Commonly prescribed SMRs include:
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril): Often used for back pain and musculoskeletal injuries
- Carisoprodol (Soma): Effective but known for its abuse potential
- Methocarbamol (Robaxin): Used for strains and sprains
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex): Prescribed for muscle spasticity in MS
- Baclofen: Common for spinal cord injuries or MS-related spasms
- Diazepam (Valium): A benzodiazepine that can also act as a muscle relaxer
Direct-acting relaxants:
- Dantrolene: Mostly used for conditions like cerebral palsy and MS
While these medications can provide relief, they are not meant for long-term use—especially without close medical supervision.
Can Muscle Relaxers Be Prescribed During Pregnancy?
In general, healthcare providers are very cautious when prescribing muscle relaxers to pregnant individuals due to the limited data on safety and potential risk to the fetus. However, in some cases, they may be prescribed only if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Key considerations:
- Cyclobenzaprine is sometimes used during pregnancy, especially in the second or third trimester, but always under medical supervision.
- Methocarbamol and tizanidine have not been well studied in pregnancy, so they’re generally avoided.
- Carisoprodol is considered risky, especially late in pregnancy, due to its potential to cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
- Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects, sedation in the newborn, and withdrawal symptoms.
Safer Alternatives for Pregnant Individuals:
- Physical therapy
- Prenatal massage
- Heat/ice therapy
- Stretching and gentle movement under professional guidance
If you are pregnant and experiencing muscle pain or spasms, always consult with your OB-GYN or primary care provider before taking any muscle relaxant, even over-the-counter options.
Are Muscle Relaxers Addictive?
Some muscle relaxers, particularly carisoprodol (Soma) and diazepam, carry a higher risk for dependency and misuse. This is because they produce sedative, calming effects that some individuals may begin to crave or use recreationally.
Signs of misuse include:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Using the medication for longer than intended
- “Doctor shopping” to obtain more refills
- Combining with other substances to enhance the effects
Over time, physical dependence can develop, leading to withdrawal symptoms if the medication is suddenly stopped. These symptoms might include anxiety, agitation, insomnia, tremors, or even seizures—especially if the person has been using a benzodiazepine-based relaxer.
How Muscle Relaxers Interact with Alcohol and Other Substances
Combining muscle relaxers with alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
This combination can:
- Depress the central nervous system to the point of slowed or stopped breathing
- Increase the risk of accidents, blackouts, or overdoses
- Cause confusion, extreme drowsiness, and impaired coordination
- Lead to unconsciousness or coma
Because muscle relaxers and alcohol both act as depressants, their effects multiply when used together. Even if someone takes their medication as prescribed, drinking alcohol while on muscle relaxers can pose serious health risks.
Long-Term Use of Muscle Relaxers: What to Know
Long-term use of muscle relaxers is rarely recommended due to their sedative effects and the potential for tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Over time, users may:
- Develop a higher tolerance, requiring larger doses for the same relief
- Experience mental fog, memory issues, or slowed cognitive function
- Face withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop
- Feel unable to manage daily life without the drug
If you’re in Pennsylvania or the surrounding areas—such as Bradford County, Sayre, Susquehanna County, or Tioga County—and you’re concerned about dependence on muscle relaxers, it’s important to seek help early.
When to Get Help
If you or someone you love is misusing muscle relaxers—or struggling with mixing them with alcohol or other drugs—professional treatment may be the next step. At Endless Mountain Behavioral Health Center in Sayre, PA, we offer:
- Medical detox to safely manage withdrawal
- Residential treatment for those needing structured care
- Same-day admissions for those in crisis
- Support for Pennsylvania Medicaid, most commercial insurances, and self-pay plans
You Don’t Have to Manage It Alone
Muscle relaxer misuse can start quietly and escalate quickly. What begins as a prescription for pain relief can evolve into something harder to control—especially when mixed with alcohol or taken long-term.
At Endless Mountain Behavioral Health Center, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals find lasting recovery. If you’re searching for a “rehab near me” in Pennsylvania, we’re here to help you reclaim your life.